Among our many heroes, don't forget teachers

Opinion: Columns

Thursday, May 7th, 2020 11:22 AM

Share on Facebook

Share on Twitter

Email

Print

Ed Condon

One view

I recall vividly a high school lesson in which our wizened and esteemed English teacher asked the class to analyze a poem describing barren trees in the depths of winter. I wrote feverishly throughout the class period about the manner in which the trees symbolized death and loss, quoting verses from the poem to justify my claims. With confidence, I submitted my essay just before the period ended.

Two days later, the essays were returned to all of us during class. I won't soon forget the way our teacher commented about our collective work. He informed us that virtually every student, save a few, had written in their essays about how the trees in the poem represented death and decay. I became increasingly confident about my analysis — until he began to chide us for falling victim to such sophomoric conclusions. As he peered over his glasses, he spoke very slowly to the group. "Students, this poem is about trees. Sometimes you really just need to focus on the obvious."

Like so many important lessons learned from memorable teachers over the years, this one has stayed with me. It seems particularly relevant during this difficult time, which also coincides with Teacher Appreciation Week. The face of education has changed abruptly as our society faces down the most substantive threat that many of us have ever experienced during our lifetimes. In the midst of COVID-19, educators across the land have been required to reinvent themselves in the service of learners and their families. This dynamic is occurring on a wholesale basis because teachers are committed to the goal that academic learning will continue to progress — even during the challenges of school closures.

Still, we cannot discount the significance of the social-emotional impact that this pandemic is having on the students (and all of us, frankly). Even in the best situations, teachers are striving to provide education for our children against a backdrop of uncertainty, anxiety, and a shared sense of loss. Never before has the obvious seemed so clear. While teaching and learning represent the work of the profession, the essential needs of our students must remain the foundational consideration. For elementary school districts such as River Forest District 90, prioritizing these needs represents the heart of the matter.

This child-centered mindset is one of the many reasons why I am so proud and grateful to work alongside D90 staff members each day. While our faculty and staff have always put children first, the manner in which they are continuing to apply their student-oriented lens during this public health crisis has been inspirational. Conveying and reinforcing academic content obviously remains an essential goal.

However, the way D90 teachers pursue this goal acknowledges that children cannot learn effectively without certain, necessary prerequisites for success. These include establishing safe and caring learning environments, being attuned to student needs for support, and communicating clearly that there is always an adult at school who stands "in their corner." Certainly, our faculty and staff provide many other benefits for students beyond these, but they are arguably the most critical to ensure that students can achieve their best potential. And they are no small things.

In the midst of this extraordinary moment in time, please join me in thanking an educator. Teacher Appreciation Week is May 4-8 but every week can be dedicated to teacher appreciation. Among the many other exceptional individuals in our community, they deserve the pedestal they occupy as heroes and unrivaled role models for our children.

Ed Condon, PhD, is superintendent River Forest School District 90.

Love the Journal?

Become our partner in independent community journalism

Thanks for turning to Wednesday Journal and OakPark.com. We love our thousands of digital-only readers. Now though we're asking you to partner up in paying for our reporters and photographers who report this news. It had to happen, right?

On the plus side, we're giving you a simple way, and a better reason, to join in. We're now a non-profit -- Growing Community Media -- so your donation is tax deductible. And signing up for a monthly donation, or making a one-time donation, is fast and easy.

No threats from us. The news will be here. No paywalls or article countdowns. We're counting on an exquisite mix of civic enlightenment and mild shaming. Sort of like public radio.

As we commend those who are still working through this crisis lets not forget those who by no fault of there own have lost their jobs, especially those in the hospitality industry whom most live paycheck to paycheck.

Deborah Wess Facebook Verified

Posted: May 8th, 2020 1:26 PM

Love this, Dr. Condon! While all of my teacher friends say they're working harder than ever, they're happy to do it. Most are going above and beyond their Zoomed classes to provide one-on-one support to students and family who need it.

Facebook Connect

Please Enable JavaScriptFor All Site Features.

Answer Book 2019

To view the full print edition of the Wednesday Journal 2019 Answer Book, please click here.

We can offer safe, creative, professional, and affordable solutions to address the need of your cluttered, unorganized closets. Using either wire shelving components, or more attractive wood grain laminated particle board, we successfully work...